Once you get away from the big city almost everyone wears one.   You are not fully dressed without one.  For those “in the know” the hat even identifies where you are from.  Whether at work, shopping or play, the hat is ever-present.  In Peru the hat is king.

In Chivay you can sit on a hat or even play on one.

Peruvians love their hats.

Kids can’t resist playing on the hat sculptures.

Hats take all kinds of abuse.

Of course most hats are worn.

A mother with child in tow and llama leading the way to the town square.

A typical day at the market.

Market Street

Shearing time.

Every region has its own hat style.

Even statues have hats!

Qamile

Pinkullero

Dama Collagua Soltera

Chullcho

Negrillo

Turko Tusuy

And occasionally even Wooly and Raeski – especially when it’s cold.  Brrr!

Wooly and Raeski on a blustery summer day at the Beagle Channel.

A warm Raeski climbs the walkway up to our hotel.